Netherlands Vacation Packages and Tours

The Netherlands is a country where the notion of individualism meets that of the collective society. It is a nation built upon the ideals of tolerance and compromise. As a highly multi-ethnic and cultural society, the Dutch believe in the importance of granting autonomy and freedom of expression to different cultures and life perspectives. In the eyes of the Dutch, as long as your actions, beliefs, or behaviours do not infringe on the rights of others, you should generally be left to your own devices.

The Dutch have long since been renowned for their policy of tolerance or Gedoogbeleid towards social issues, such as recreational drugs including psilocybin and cannabis and the act of prostitution. Cannabis can be sold in specialist outlets, known as coffee shops, to those over the age of 18 who can purchase up to 5 grams at a time. Psilocybin-containing truffles can be bought in outlets known as Smart Shops for those over 18. Despite what many believe, cannabis is not officially legal in the Netherlands with the authorities choosing to prioritize other matters. Public consumption is not legal and may carry a fine.

Due to the flat terrain of the country, the Dutch are some of the most avid cyclists in the world. Bike paths can be found in every small town and city in the country, but take care to watch for cyclists when crossing the street—it is possible only to hear the ring of the bell when it's already too late! It is considered best practice to look right, then left, and then repeat before crossing a bike lane.

Water itself has long been the traditional enemy of the Dutch, as much of the country lies below sea level and has little to no natural elevation. But where there’s a will, there’s a way and throughout their history, the Dutch have perfected the practice of reclaiming land from the sea by pumping it out, hence the famous windmills, which still grace much of the landscape to this day. This “can-do” attitude is a core element of the Dutch psyche, ensuring that even to this day, the country is a hub of innovation and new thinking around long-existing problems.

What is the visiting etiquette for the Netherlands?

The Dutch are generally easy-going, relaxed, and welcoming people. However, they can get a little tired of the “party” stereotype that many outside of the country believe about it. In recent times, the city authorities in Amsterdam have attempted to combat the issue of over-tourism in the city through numerous measures, from clamping down on short-term tourist rentals such as Airbnb to attempting to reframe the city as a cultural hub of museums and art, rather than just a party destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

When it comes to enjoying the unique culture of Amsterdam, intoxicated tourists are not appreciated by the locals, especially those who choose to consume cannabis in public, which is illegal in the Netherlands. Discretion is appreciated so should you choose to consume cannabis, stick to doing so inside of the coffeeshops.

As well, taking photos is strictly forbidden in the famous Red Light District of Amsterdam, known as De Wallen. To avoid any potential issues, do not take photos when in the area.

What is the country most known for?

Inside the Netherlands, locals believe it is their can-do attitude, windmills, love of cheese, and traditional wooden shoes known as clogs which best signify the country. Outside of the Netherlands, it is likely their liberal approach to social issues, tulip growing, love of cycling, and numerous canals are what most people think of whenever the small nation enters their minds.

What are some Dutch traditions?

Konigsdag or Kings Day is held every year in April. It is considered the national day of the Netherlands, similar to St Patrick's Day in Ireland. A public holiday, the day is marked with numerous celebrations across the country and is a popular time to visit Amsterdam which is draped in a sea of orange, the national colour of the country, as well as copious amounts of Dutch beer, such as Heineken.

Other key dates on the Dutch calendar are the 4th and 5th of May, known as Remembrance Day and Liberation Day. These two holidays celebrate the dates that the Netherlands was liberated from Nazi Germany by the Western Allies in 1945. The Dutch suffered greatly for five years under Nazi occupation and these dates are considered highly important to the formation of the modern Dutch state. It is a public holiday and local commemorations and remembrance ceremonies can be found across the country.

Zwarte Piet is a famous Dutch tradition, which has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years due to issues around depictions of POC and the issue of blackface. The character is said to be a servant to Sinterklaas (Father Christmas) and the day itself is celebrated every year on the 6th of December.

What are the Dutch like socially?

The Dutch pride themselves on being efficient, open and direct. It is this directness that can take a little getting used to as the Dutch are not afraid of saying exactly what is on their mind. Visitors may view this trait as being abrasive or even rude, however, much of it comes from Dutch being directly translated into English where more nuanced forms of communication may be lost.

The Dutch enjoy a good time and are known for their commitment to finding time for recreation and family with the country being known for having one of the best work-life balances in Europe. However, like many Western European nations, a premium is placed on punctuality. When meeting a Dutch person for a social engagement during your Netherlands vacation, it's best to ensure that you are there at the allotted time as they almost certainly will be.

Dutch pubs tend to have more of a continental “cafe” vibe than those found in places such as Ireland or the UK, closer to those of Belgium, France or Italy but will still serve a variety of alcoholic drinks late into the night. Dutch nightlife is some of the best in the world with many famous DJs such as Tiesto, Ferry Costen, Afrojack, and Martin Gattrix all hailing from the country. As a result, the country is a hotbed for dance music scenes such as trance, techno, and house. The annual Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), held every year in October, draws music fans from across the globe.

What language do the Dutch speak?

The national language of the Netherlands is Dutch. A Germanic language, Dutch is similar to both English and German and is often described as a rough combination of both. In Dutch, a G sound is pronounced as a guttural H sound, meaning words such as Gouda, the name of the cheese and a city, are pronounced as Howda and Goede Morgan, (Good Morning) is pronounced as Hooda Morgan. The further north in the Netherlands, the more guttural the dialect becomes.

English is widely spoken and understood and many Dutch will automatically switch to it when dealing with a non-native. Other common languages include Turkish, Moroccan, and Indonesian. Frisian is another officially recognized minority language, spoken in small pockets in the North of the country.

Small but mighty perhaps best summarizes the Netherlands. A small but densely populated nation of 17 million people, the Netherlands is located on the North Sea in Western Europe, with Germany to its East and Belgium to its south. The term Holland is often mistakenly viewed as being interchangeable with the Netherlands but this is incorrect. Holland is the name of the Westernmost region within the country, split into two sections, North and South with North Holland containing the city of Amsterdam and the southern region containing both the cities of The Hague and Rotterdam. While the country itself may be small and compact, the same cannot be said for the Dutch people, however, as they are considered the tallest people on average in Europe.

Dutch summers offer long, sunshine-soaked days with late sunsets and early sunrises. However, prices for a Netherlands vacation are often higher during this period than throughout the rest of the year.

Being located on the North Sea, the Netherlands can experience bouts of rain and even storms, particularly in the winter months, so it is important to pay attention to the weather forecast and general weather patterns when planning a trip to the country. That said, the weather never reaches an extreme in either direction, being either too cold or too hot. 

For those who seek the multicoloured wonder of the famous tulip fields, late spring is the best time to visit. A blanket of vibrant tulips carpets the rural landscape and with the added backdrop of wooden windmills dotted around the landscape, it is a sight to behold.

What is the best month to visit the Netherlands?

The period from June to August is considered the busiest tourist season in the Netherlands as both locals and visitors soak up the long days of sunshine and warm weather with temperatures averaging around 23°C (73°F). Accommodation prices may be highest during this period so it's best to book well in advance. While Amsterdam may attract the most visitors, other Dutch cities have a lot to offer, often at a cheaper price.

Scheveningen, a small coastal town just outside of The Hague, is famous for its pier where amusement rides and restaurants can be found during the summer. Its beach and the nearby sand dunes are an excellent place to relax and leisurely stroll while enjoying the sunshine.

When is the peak tourist season in the Netherlands?

Summer is by far the most popular time for tourists to visit the country, particularly the period from June to August. It is the period with the warmest weather and parks such as Vondelpark in central Amsterdam will be packed with visitors looking to relax in the sun.

While the nation is not typically known for its beaches, they do attract many visitors from places such as Belgium and Germany during the summer months. Coastal towns such as Zaanfoort are particularly popular for their long, clean beaches and proximity to cities such as Amsterdam.

Which is the most affordable time to visit the Netherlands?

Winter is by far the most budget-friendly time to visit the country, with many hotels lowering the costs of their rooms between late November and late February. However, it can rain often during the winter months in the Netherlands, so be prepared for wet and cold weather if visiting at this time.

How long should I plan to visit the Netherlands?

The Netherlands itself is a small country, with it being possible to traverse the entire width of the country in less than three hours by car. While Amsterdam offers many sites and attractions to visitors, a period of 7 days would best be spent with the inclusion of other nearby cities such as Haarlem, which is only 15 minutes by train outside of Amsterdam. Other cities such as Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam are all readily accessible from Amsterdam via a short train journey and well worth a day trip.

How much is a trip to the Netherlands?

A vacation to the Netherlands will vary depending on several factors such as the length of the trip, type of transport, level of accommodation, and the locations involved. Amsterdam is known as being one of the more expensive cities to visit in Europe for accommodation as well as for food and drink. For a week-long vacation in the Netherlands, travellers can expect to spend between USD $80 to $300 per day, depending on their particular budget and itinerary.

Is the Netherlands LGBTQ+ friendly?

With a national focus on tolerance and equality, Dutch LGBTQ+ rights are considered some of the most advanced in the world with the Netherlands becoming the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. The annual pride parade in Amsterdam is one of the most popular in Europe. From vibrant nightlife to pride parades and cultural events, the Dutch are highly open-minded people and are welcoming to all members of society.

What currency does the Netherlands use?

Being a core member of the Eurozone, the Netherlands uses the Euro (EUR). The exchange rate between the Euro and USD is around $1 to €0.90, but this can fluctuate so it makes sense to monitor the exchange rate before your vacation.

Why is the Netherlands worth visiting?

The Netherlands offers a variety of experiences to travellers, from the stunning canals which gently meander through the streets of cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht to the vibrancy of the tulip fields and the homely warmth of towering wooden windmills. The country espouses an aura of relaxation, a Western European take on the “La Dolce Vita” mentality of Italy, if you will.

The slim, “gingerbread house” architecture that characterizes Dutch cities, along with their narrow streets, creates a sense of warmth and of being at ease but the country boasts many more varied and unique landscapes. The small city of Giethoorn is often referred to as the Venice of the Netherlands due to the fact it is surrounded by water and boats are the preferred method of getting around. Those interested in history can see the bridges at Arnhem and Nijmegen which were the objective of the famous “Operation Market Garden” in WWII that inspired the 1978 film A Bridge Too Far.

Do many Dutch people speak English?

Yes, the Netherlands has perhaps the highest rate of English language proficiency outside of the Anglosphere. The Dutch generally speak a very high standard of English, with a common phrase being, “We speak English because nobody else speaks Dutch”. Travellers should encounter little to no difficulties communicating with locals through English. Simple Dutch phrases include welkom (welcome), hallo (hello), and dank u wel (thank you), although speaking Dutch is not necessary.

Can I drink the tap water in the Netherlands?

Yes, the tap water in the Netherlands is very safe to drink and is considered some of the cleanest and safest to drink in the world due to high levels of regulation. For those who prefer bottled water, the market leader is actually a Belgian brand, named Spa after the region in Southern Belgium. Sourcy is the name of another common Dutch brand and major brands such as Evian or Volvic are also readily available in supermarkets.

Do I need to tip in the Netherlands?

No, tipping is not mandatory in the Netherlands, which has robust laws around minimum wage, ensuring servers receive a guaranteed rate. However, of course, it is appreciated with rates of around 10% being the average.

Is 7 days too long in Amsterdam?

While Amsterdam offers a variety of experiences to visitors, globetrotters may find themselves having seen most of the city within 4-5 days, depending on their level of activity. An extra long weekend i.e. flying in Thursday morning and leaving Monday night will likely grant visitors enough time to see and enjoy most of what the city has to offer without feeling burned out or bored.

How long can you vacation in the Netherlands?

As the Netherlands is a small country, it is relatively easy to visit major cities such as Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Maastricht as well as see the uniquely flat terrain of the Dutch countryside. A period of 5-7 days should allow visitors to get a feel for the culture and people and see most of what the country has to offer. Both the road and rail networks are considered some of the best in Europe.

Dutch Rail (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) is one of the most punctual rail carriers in Europe and is an excellent option for getting around during a Netherlands tour. For those who wish to rent a car, the Dutch drive on the right and are generally very cautious drivers.

Why is the Netherlands so famous?

The Netherlands is famous as a country which punches way above its weight in terms of history, culture, sport, engineering, economy, agriculture, and so much more. The compact nation has produced some of the greatest artists ever, often known as the Dutch masters, from Johannes Vermeer to Rembrandt and Van Gogh.

Amsterdam, the nation’s capital, is internationally renowned for its winding canals, liberal laws, and narrow houses. The Dutch countryside is famous for its vast columns of multicoloured tulips, rustic wooden windmills, flat terrain, and bikes. Polders, the areas of land reclaimed from the sea, demonstrate the determination of the Dutch people as a nation of “doers”. All these factors combine to create a truly unique and memorable place to visit and ensure that globetrotters will want to return, time and time again.

Modern Dutch cuisine tends to be heavily influenced by the country's colonial past, with numerous dishes originating from countries such as Indonesia or Suriname, which were former Dutch colonies. A rijsttafel, meaning a rice table, is an Indonesian-Dutch fusion dish of different types of rice served with meats and is increasingly popular.

Traditional Dutch potato fries, known as frietje met, are double fried and often served with mayonnaise in a cone and are a national right of passage. Fish is also quite popular in the Netherlands with soused herring or maatjes being a local favourite. In some regions, it is diced up and eaten piece by piece, whereas in places such as Rotterdam, it is picked up by the tail and eaten in one go. However, do take care when attempting to do this as many travellers to the Netherlands have found themselves falling victim to particularly brazen Dutch seagulls!

Cheese is considered a way of life in the Netherlands and stores selling large waxed, wheels of cheese are commonplace across the country. Styles such as Edam, Gouda, and Leerdammer all originate from the small nation and are all very popular with locals.

What is the dining etiquette in the Netherlands?

The Dutch place a high importance on the value of eating together so it is considered impolite to begin eating before others have received their meal, excluding extreme circumstances. When dining in a group, the bill is generally split between all parties, each paying for their portion. Tipping is appreciated but not generally expected in the country. Service is professional but not overly engaging. Similar to German, the Dutch word for making a toast is “Proost” and it is customary to look your guests in the eye while saying it.

For those seeking a uniquely Dutch dining experience, it is recommended to try the vending machine-like fast food restaurants that can be found across the country, particularly in bus and train stations. These fast food outlets entail a wall of small, hand-held snacks in drawers. Similar to a vending machine, you choose what you want, and pay and it is dispensed by the small shutter being unlocked. Croquettes, bitter ballen (deep-fried balls of minced meat), and frikandellen (large meatballs) can be found here. Despite being dispensed from what resembled a vending machine, these snacks can be extremely hot so do take care when eating them.

What is the drinking etiquette like in the Netherlands?

The Dutch enjoy a drink with many Dutch beer brands such as Heineken, Amstel, Bavaria, and Grolsch being available across the world. The Netherlands also has a thriving craft beer scene, including two monastic and Trappist breweries. Drinking in public is generally not legal, however, it’s more likely to be tolerated in places such as parks or beaches. The age to purchase or consume alcohol is 18.

An often overlooked drink is the Dutch spirit, Jenever, which is said to have inspired the British to create gin. It is very similar and is often kept in a freezer and served ice cold as a shot or a base ingredient for cocktails.

What is the country's typical cuisine?

Dutch cuisine is based upon the notions of being simple, filling, and comprised of local ingredients close to hand. As a result, items such as potatoes, vegetables, and meat such as beef or pork are common in most classic Dutch dishes. Being based on the North Sea, fish naturally plays a significant role in many Dutch dishes, making use of their abundance of herring, mackerel, cod, and sole. While it may not have the flair of other more famous European cuisine, globetrotters are sure to find a Dutch meal which certainly hits the spot.

What do meals typically cost?

The price of meals can depend on factors such as the season and the city but generally, visitors can expect to spend between USD $65-$110 on a 3-course meal in Amsterdam. Cities such as The Hague or Rotterdam may be slightly cheaper.

When it comes to buying drinks such as beer in the Netherlands, it is important to remember that menus will often display two separate prices, one for a half metric pint (285 ml / 9.6 FL oz), and one for a glass (142 ml / 4.8 Fl oz) which are common measures in the country. Those ordering a pint should remember that it will be twice the shown price for a half pint to avoid surprises on their bill.

Does the Netherlands cater to dietary restrictions?

Both vegetarianism and veganism are very common in the Netherlands, with major cities such as Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam having a large number of restaurants dedicated to both diets. The average restaurant will also have at least one vegetarian dish on the menu.

Other dietary restrictions such as coeliac disease are becoming better accommodated although it is best to research suitable restaurants beforehand. Gluten-free products can be found in supermarkets relatively easily. It is best to ask your server about suitable menu items when it comes to allergens. Both halal and kosher-certified foods can be found without any major difficulty.